Chemical Operator - Elma

Key Responsibilities

• Note: The following responsibilities represent the full scope of the Chemical Operator role. Foundational duties (such as material handling, ISO container management, facility upkeep, and field support) are performed across all levels, with technical complexity, process monitoring, and DCS operations expanding as an operator advances through training tiers and earns area certifications.
• ISO Container & Material Handling Logistics
• ISO Container Operations: Safely perform heating, emptying, and switching operations for sodium ISO containers in accordance with site EHS and operating procedures.
• Material Handling: Unload raw materials, perform product packaging, apply regulatory labels, and execute product loading/unloading.
• Railcar & Field Logistics: Safely operate the railcar mover, connect/disconnect railcars, manage internal movement of rail-based materials, and execute filter changes and routine equipment setups.
• Process Monitoring, DCS & Optimization
• DCS Operation: Learn, operate, and stay current with the Distributed Control System (DCS) to monitor and adjust continuous plant processes within design specifications.
• Process Control & Adjustments: Take readings, observe process equipment, identify performance gaps, respond promptly to process deviations, and execute corrective actions to ensure product quality.
• Troubleshooting & Maintenance: Perform laboratory sampling and analysis, basic mechanical repairs, equipment maintenance prep, and routine preventive maintenance.
• Documentation & Communication
• Operational Recordkeeping: Accurately record inventory levels, environmental parameters, and process readings as required.
• Logging & Handover: Maintain complete electronic logbook entries of operational events and actively participate in structured 12-hour shift turnover meetings.
• Safety & Field Operations
• EHS Compliance: Perform all duties safely, maintaining strict adherence to Operating Discipline documentation and EHS excellence initiatives.
• Confined Space Entry: Safely perform duties within permit-required confined spaces (e.g., vessel inspection, cleaning, filter changes) following Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and atmospheric monitoring protocols.
• Facility Upkeep: Maintain site cleanliness, operate cleaning equipment, maintain exterior facility grounds, complete weed control, and perform routine touch-up painting of equipment and structural piping.
• Operational Flexibility
• Adaptability: Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to perform other duties as assigned by the Shift Supervisor, Lead Operator, or Operations Manager to support continuous 24/7 plant continuity.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Safety: Ability to wear and maintain PPE standards.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in basic computer skills including MS Office programs.

Required Competencies

Benefits

• In addition to company-sponsored plans, employees may be eligible for statutory benefits under the Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. In compliance with WA State Pay Transparency requirements, the following compensation model is provided for this role:
• Hiring Pay Range (Starting Rate): Utility Helper: $28.00/hr (Minimum) | $30.00/hr (Maximum) (Starting rate determined by experience)
• Utility Helper: $28.00/hr (Minimum) | $30.00/hr (Maximum) (Starting rate determined by experience)
• Career Advancement Track: New hires enter as a Utility Helper with the opportunity and expectation to advance to an Operator A level. This structured pathway is designed to be completed within three years, with progression milestones based on successful training completion, safety performance, and operational certifications.
• Overtime Pay: Eligible for overtime at 1.5x the regular rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek, in accordance with Washington State law.
• Incentive Pay Opportunities (Factored into overtime calculations):
• Laboratory Sampling Certification
• Board Operator Certification
• 4th Area of Certification
• Annual Bonus Incentive: Eligible to participate in our 2026 Ascensus Bonus Plan at a target of 6% of base annual wage. The 2026 Ascensus Bonus Plan (ABP) is a unified annual cash incentive program designed to reward eligible employees for measurable contributions to company performance. Eligibility and payouts are determined based on overall company financials, as well as plant performance pertaining to Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS), Quality, and Production. For new hires, the annual bonus potential is prorated based on the hire date.

Comprehensive Benefits Package (Health and wellness benefits begin on Day 1 of employment):

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans; Life and AD&D insurance; and Short-term/Long-term Disability coverage.
• Retirement (401k): 100% match up to the first 3% of employee contributions; 70% match on contributions between 4% and 6%.
• Paid Time Off: All accrued and frontloaded time off benefits become available for use after 90 days of employment. Time off allotments for the first calendar year are prorated based on the hire date: Vacation/Floating Holidays: Frontloaded on Jan. 1 annually based on tenure accrual [e.g., 120 hours for new hires], in accordance with the Employee Handbook. Sick Leave: Accrued at a rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked, per WA State law. Company Holidays: 9 paid company holidays (paid at 8 hours each) + 24 hours of floating holidays per calendar year.
• Vacation/Floating Holidays: Frontloaded on Jan. 1 annually based on tenure accrual [e.g., 120 hours for new hires], in accordance with the Employee Handbook.
• Sick Leave: Accrued at a rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked, per WA State law.
• Company Holidays: 9 paid company holidays (paid at 8 hours each) + 24 hours of floating holidays per calendar year.
• Additional Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available immediately to support overall well-being.